THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVENRMENT IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN NIGERIA (A STUDY OF UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, AKWA IBOM STATE)

THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVENRMENT IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN NIGERIA (A STUDY OF UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, AKWA IBOM STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

 1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Although the menace of ravaging poverty and  poor condition of rural development is not peculiar to Nigeria and indeed, the developing nations, the incidences have however, been more profound in this part  of the world compared to other regions. World bank observed over two decades ago, that poverty in the developing  countries is on the rise and this has not significantly abated  up to date especially in Nigeria. in fact, millions of people across the country endure lives of abject  poverty.

Poverty is a state of not having enough of the basic need. It is a state of deprivation from the basic  necessities of life. it means not having enough of the amenities and resources needed for sustainable or comfortable living (Chikere, 2008). Poverty alleviation is undoubtedly one of the highest ranking issues  in the national strategies of  many less developed countries, of which every tiers of government in Nigeria is tailored with the programmes of all aviating it especially local government areas as citadels for grassroots development.

The invaluable  role of the local government is anchored on the attendant development it brings nearer to the people. Rural development integrates the people into plans and programmes of government in alleviation of poverty. In Nigeria, the local government has historically provided services of importance to its citizens both in rural local governments which is now a subject of public concern as a result of increasing rate of poverty among the people of Uyo local government. In the simplest languages, local government means management of the local affairs by the people of a locality. It enjoys an autonomous status, which entitles it to take certain  legislation, administration and financial decision through under the conditions and within the limits of law. Agba Kobo and Ogbonna, 2004, defines local government from legal perspective, they see it as a political administration unit that is empowered by law to administer a specific locality.

Poverty is a global phenomenon. Although, the developed countries have their fair share of the problem, in the developing countries. Poverty level   has been on the increase. It is both present in urban has been on the increase. It is both present in urban and rural areas (World Bank, 2007). But, it is more pervasive in rural area because of its  characteristic. Infact, the poverty level in Uyo local government area can best be described as in “flammable” sequel to this, there is no other development issues that poses a fundamental challenge to policy makers in local government as endemic as poverty. The provision of basic activities such as roads, education, health, pipe-borne water or portable water, housing, electricity services among others dictate the condition of lives in the rural area. but local government driven initatites that contributes, marginalized groups, and other slum dweller (whose   access to national poverty alleviation programme is generally constrained depriving  them of the opportunities  they need to pursue their own self improvement will empower them to achieve economics security and social including (Chikere, 2008).

Poverty has many causes, all of which reinforce  one another, one sources of poverty is the lack of basic services; such  as clean water, education and health  care; another is lack of assets, such as land, tools, credit, and supportive network. A third  is lack of income, including food, shelter, clothing and empowerment (political power, confidence and dignity). But local government has been saddled with the responsibility of alleviating poverty at the grassroots. rather, the fight to alleviate poverty started some  decades ago, it seems that the various strategies and programmes adopted by Uyo local government are yet to achieve the desired result of alleviating poverty. This study assess the role of local government on poverty alleviation in Nigeria.

1.2    STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Poverty praised a serious concern to every society, developed or under-developed. Countries of the world come out with several strategies and programmes to combat poverty. However, the issues of poverty keep raising its ugly face, especially in developing countries.

Poverty humiliates and dehumanizes its victim. it effect is worrisome, it makes people compromise on moral values or abandon these values completely, it creates frustration, loss of meaningful life, purpose and living something to live for and disbursement about morality. In other words, poverty retards  development, growth and industrialization in uyo local  government. the many strands of poverty intertwine and pull people into down spiral. Because tackling one factor may not be enough to lift people out of poverty, an effective poverty alleviating strategy must attack poverty on the all fronts at the same time. But, these are abysmal on assessing Uyo local government of its role I n alleviating poverty.

Then! Does Uyo local government plays any pivotal role in alleviating poverty? Does the people of Uyo local government felt any impact on the strategies and programmes on poverty alleviation? These and many more form the bases of this study and to offer suggestions on poverty alleviation programmes embark upon in Uyo local government area.

1.3    OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objectives of this work are to: